The SNP are partaking in a “frantic rush” to establish a single Scottish fire service, according to Scottish Labour.
It was revealed that the single Scottish fire and police services will aim to be established on 1 April 2013, at a meeting of the local government and regeneration committee on Wednesday.
Discussing the Scottish Government’s Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill, they also revealed that the fire service will be based at Perth Community Fire Station, while the police service will be based at the Scottish Police College in Fife.
Chairman of the Chief Fire Officers Association in Scotland, Alex Clark, welcomed the news that the interim headquarters for the service would be in Perth, and also moved to reassure the public that the reforms would not negatively impact on current or future services.
He said, "On behalf of all Scottish Fire and Rescue personnel, I’d like to reassure the public that wherever we are based, our communities can continue to expect the same high quality service."
Scottish Labour however warned that the “frantic rush” to meet justice secretary Kenny MacAskill’s “artificial deadline” will mean that thousands of jobs will be lost with very minimal cost savings when compared to if the job was done “properly”.
Lewis Macdonald, Labour’s justice spokesman said, "Our police and fire services are far too important to be subject to short-term political fixes.
"Ministers need to explain why they are proposing the structures outlined in the bill, with no period for transition from eight forces to one and no shadow authorities to manage the change.
"So far, with no explanations offered, the jury is out on whether the target date of 1 April 2013 can really be delivered."
